I See You-I Feel You-I Am You: A Note to Mommas during Back to School

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All I can think of at this very moment is, “How on Earth did my mother do it?” How did she make sending me off into the world look so easy? Today, in this moment, I have no idea how she didn’t hold on tight and never let go.

Last week during the “Meet & Greet” for my daughter’s VPK class I could hear the school director and the chatter that surrounded me. However, I sat there in that tiny chair and allowed the tears to well up in my eyes. I blinked and elementary school, middle school, and high school had passed me by. I’m almost certain that that is exactly how these next 13 years will go; I am sure of it.

I left the meeting last Wednesday holding my little lady in my arms and my heart in my hands. Did I bawl on the drive home? Maybe.

Fast forward to the night before her first day of VPK; I was pleasantly surprised with myself. The sadness that had overcome me that day had somewhat washed away. She was ready. I was ready. We were ready. At least I thought so.

The morning of the first day of VPK went as smoothly as a mother could hope. There isn’t much difference in our routine (She’s been going to “school” since she was four months old). Yet, even though there was so much familiarity, there was so much change.

My little lady would have a new teacher and new friends. And, most emotional, for me, is that this will be the last year she will spend in the only school she’s ever known. Pass me the tissues. 

On the drive to work that morning I had an epiphany. Yes, the years zoom by faster than I would like. Yes, there are moments where I find myself feeling a little blue for how quickly she is growing. But, that is not what I am afraid of.

In the moment that my little lady hugged me once last time before she took her seat, my eyes filled with tears. I feel privileged to witness such an incredible being grow up. However, I am scared to release her to the world.

I understand it now. The sadness my mother felt for when I “grew” up and left–I get it.  For the tears she shed when I finally left our house–I get it. My mother was scared for the unknown and for what the world would do to me. But, if she can do it, so can I.

To the mom crying at the drop-off line–I see you. To the mom that sat outside the preschool door–I feel you. To the mom that called the school’s director to check on their child–I was you. To the mom that knows she is going to shed some tears at every change of teacher and school–I am you.   

 

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Renata Santos
Renata and her family reside in West Boynton Beach. She met her husband of eight years at Quiet Waters Park when they were nine-years-old (Yes, you read that right!). You could say that every now and again fairy tales do happen. On the weekdays you can find her working as a Prospect Researcher for an international relief organization in Coconut Creek; she likes to think this is setting her up for good karma. She only came to know true exhaustion in July of 2014 when she began her journey into motherhood. Speaking of motherhood, Renata is known as mommy to her spit-fire, sassy daughter who is three and her rambunctious, but oh-so-sweet momma's boy who is one. Her favorite things include: copious amounts of coffee, books & planners, good food, clean sheets, and gangster rap, not necessarily in that order. Even though she may seem to have it somewhat together, do not be fooled. Renata is still trying to figure out the perfect life balance and she would love for you to take this ride with her. If you are looking for zero judgements and endless laughter, Renata is the gal for you.